Nathan Aspinall is aiming to channel the inspiration from his Betfred World Matchplay heroics 12 months ago, as he prepares to battle through the pain barrier on his Blackpool return.
Aspinall will be one of seven former champions in this year's stellar 32-player field, which includes eight PDC World Champions – the highest number on record since the tournament’s inception in 1994.
Luke Littler and Gary Anderson will be amongst the unseeded stars in action at the Winter Gardens, and Aspinall believes it promises to be one of the most competitive events in World Matchplay history.
“I think the strength in depth within the sport is obscene,” admitted the Stockport star, who returns to the Empress Ballroom as the number five seed in 2024.
“You look at the calibre of players – James Wade for example – he’s only just qualified by the skin of his teeth.
“That just proves how good the rest of the players are, so it’s going to be a fantastic tournament.”
Aspinall will kick off his defence of the Phil Taylor Trophy on Saturday evening, when he takes on debutant Luke Woodhouse for a place in the second round.
“I’ve played Luke a few times and I’ve got quite a good record against him, so I think it’s a good draw for myself,” insisted Aspinall, speaking ahead of his sixth consecutive Blackpool appearance.
“I’ve avoided five or six of the bigger names out of the non-seeds, but Luke is still a great player, and he’s played well this year. That’s why he’s in this tournament.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but it’s one I am confident that I can come through.”
However, Aspinall’s preparations for his title defence have been blighted by an elbow injury that impacted the latter stages of his Premier League campaign.
This latest setback also comes just over two years since he suffered a serious wrist injury that left him fearing for his long-term future in the sport.
The 32-year-old has revealed that he will undergo treatment following this year’s World Matchplay, which is expected to leave him sidelined for up to eight weeks.
“This injury is night and day in terms of pain, compared to my wrist. It’s a lot worse,” continued Aspinall.
“I’m not in a great place. I’m still winning games and hitting mid-90 averages, but I’m well aware that averaging mid-90s is not going to win you the World Matchplay.
“I’ve been injured for the last two years, and I’ve still made two major finals, won the World Matchplay, and just missed out on the Premier League, so when I’m fully fit, the lads better start practising!
“I just want to play pain-free for once. It’s been two years now where I’ve constantly been in pain, and the last three months have been horrific.”
Despite his injury woes, Aspinall remains in bullish mood as he bids to emulate Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in becoming the fourth player to retain the World Matchplay title.
“It’s going to be difficult, but I believe I can win it again,” insisted the former UK Open champion.
“My girls are going to be with me again this year, and I’m going to try and walk on that stage, make them proud and hopefully win another title.
“If I genuinely didn’t think I could win the tournament, I wouldn’t have played and I would have started my recovery now.
“There’s a reason that I’m starting my treatment after the World Matchplay, because I want that trophy back in my front room! I want my name on there again.
“Blackpool has always been a place where I’ve performed well. This is my local tournament, and every year I play at the World Matchplay the crowds are amazing.
“I’ve got special memories here, and obviously all my friends and family were there when I lifted the trophy last year. That moment will live with me until the day I die.
“I think everyone knows I’ve got a really strong mentality, and if I can grasp all that mental strength I possess, even if I’m not performing at my best, I still think I can win the tournament.”
You can read the full, exclusive interview with Nathan in the official 2024 Betfred World Matchplay programme.
2024 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday July 13 (1930 BST)
First Round x4
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Humphries v Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Woodhouse